Old Gibbs Store
Huntsville, Walker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Old Gibbs Store, oldest business in Texas under original ownership and on first site. Established 1841 in Republic of Texas by Thomas Gibbs. Building erected in 1847 after Sandford Saint John Gibbs joined firm. General Sam Houston was steady customer of the partners, who became bankers after lending use of their safe to neighbors. Gibbs National Bank, established 1890, was forerunner of First National Bank, established 1922.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Thomas Gibbs opened this store in 1841, during the days of the Republic of Texas, and the present building went up in 1847 after Sanford Saint John Gibbs joined the firm. General Sam Houston was among its steady customers, and the partners drifted into banking after neighbors began storing valuables in their safe—an informal service that grew into Gibbs National Bank in 1890. It is celebrated as the oldest business in Texas under original ownership on its first site.
Why it matters
From a Republic-era general store to a bank, the Gibbs enterprise embodies the commercial roots of frontier Texas and its ties to founders like Sam Houston.
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Related people
- · Thomas Gibbs
- · Sanford Saint John Gibbs
- · Sam Houston
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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